Summer Options for Theatre Fans

Weather’s getting hot; let's stir that creative pot. What options are there for thespians apart from going to the theatre? Liron Peer reports on the options for short courses and volunteering.

Instead of sitting in a sometimes-cooled theatre venue, waiting for the action to begin, why not let your creative juices flow this summer? 

In today's time-challenged society, we often put off things like taking creative classes or getting involved with the arts and theatre community, which are a source of passion and hope for many theatre goers. 

No need to delay, as this feature will take you through a variety of options which you can participate in over the summer, such as fun short adult courses, volunteering at a theatre company, or getting involved in fringe festivals. 

Ever wondered what it's like to try out some acting and see if you're any good? Short acting courses are waiting for you! Notably, NIDA delivers an array of different short summer courses. A particularly fun one for thespians is their ‘Musical Theatre Essentials’ workshop. 

The course aims to teach acting and vocal techniques, as well as improvisation and spontaneity on stage, giving you a taste of musical theatre. It's a two-day workshop for those who want low commitment, running in Sydney's Kensington (Dec 13-14) and Melbourne's Southbank (Jan 17-18).

If trying out some screen acting sounds like your jam, NIDA has a ‘Screen Acting Essentials’ workshop, where you’ll learn techniques for rehearsing and performing to the camera. This 2-day workshop is running in Sydney (Dec 13 -14 & Jan 17-18), Brisbane (Jan 15-16), and Melbourne (Jan 17-18). 

I sat down with a previous university colleague of mine, Sienna O’Brien, who recently completed NIDA’s Acting Techniques: The Actor’s Toolkit. The course ranges from 5 days or to an extended 8 weeks version. It is available at NIDA’s Sydney and Melbourne locations during December and January. I asked Sienna for her general take on the course: 

“The course was about building confidence — we did a lot of improvisation games, and by the end, we worked on scene studies too.” Sienna expressed that she chose the course because she “didn’t want to just sit around and do nothing…I wanted to keep up my acting skills, stay connected to the community, learn more and maybe make new connections.”

Images above supplied by NIDA.

I found her main takeaway from the course inspiring, saying it was, “trusting my own ability and knowing I’m capable, even when self-doubt creeps in.” 

Click here for more detail on NIDA Open Courses

Improvisation is something I believe everyone could use in their lives; it steps you out of your comfort zone and reminds us not to take life too seriously. If you're in WA, the WA Performance School / Lady Velvet Cabaret has an adult ‘Improv yourself’ class that runs each week, which you can start at any time throughout the term. Thus, taking that step and trusting yourself in trying out a new short course can prove to be an enriching experience over the summer.

Lady Velvet Cabaret Website: https://ladyvelvetcabaret.com.au/classes/

The WA Performance School:  https://waps.com.au/classes/adults/

Besides taking short courses, another way theatre people can stay inspired over the summer is by getting involved in theatre productions. Queensland’s JUTE Theatre Company champions regional artists as well as its volunteers, who are at its heart. 

JUTE Theatre: https://jute.com.au/volunteer/

I can speak from my own experience, having just volunteered as a costume assistant for Genesian Theatre’s Sydney season of ‘It's a Wonderful Life’. I’ve always had a fascination with fashion and costume, but it was something I never indulged in. I helped costume designer Susan Carveth. She gave me tasks to assist with, taught me sewing techniques, and took me through her well-kept clothing catalogues from the 19th century, which were fascinating to learn from. 

Genesian Theatre: https://genesiantheatre.com.au/join-us/

The summer period opens up to Australia’s renowned fringe festivals nationwide, and anyone can volunteer to join the fun. Perth’s Fringeworld Festival is running from 21st January to 15th February, with volunteer applications open now. 

The roles available include being a campground or front gate attendant, part of the set-up and tear-down crew, a show reviewer, or even crowd management. 

Perth Fringeworld: https://fringeworld.com.au/participate

Find the volunteer application at: https://artrage.com.au/careers

Adelaide Fringe is also currently accepting volunteers to come on board, available to help over the summer and/or during the February - March festival. Adelaide Fringe offers training to all volunteers, including Disability awareness, cultural awareness, human guide and traffic training. 

Expect to be involved in venue assistance, front of house, ticket scanning, wayfinding and info. In addition to this, Adelaide Fringe hosts an end-of-festival party that all volunteers are invited to. 

Adelaide Fringe: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/as-a-volunteer

This testimonial came from John Wright in 2023. He had been volunteering for Adelaide Fringe for over five years. “Having a particular interest in the arts by being a primary school teacher for over 40 years, volunteering enables me to be around like-minded people, as well as helping the general public.” 

I believe what's beautiful about getting involved with the arts is that it brings people together from all walks of life. 

Maybe the chaos of fringe festivals is not your jam; if so, you could even volunteer with a Film Festival. 

I recently interviewed Anna Beatson, an actor, on her current unpaid internship with the Sydney Travelling Film Festival (TFF). 

From an office in Sydney, she is doing online outreach to the small rural communities of Townsville and Mackay. What was most interesting was her cultural experience in bridging the gap between films and the communities they speak to. 

For example, “there's a Macedonian film playing, so I’ve been contacting Macedonian community groups,” Anna explained. 

Amongst these, Anna has reached out to AUSLAN and senior homes in these rural communities, which she has found fascinating and rewarding. 

Anna mentions how this experience has inspired her own craft. “I’m now planning to make a film for Tropfest as well as TikTok skits with a friend of mine.” 

Anna’s key takeaway from her experience was to “Stay curious and push yourself into positions that might scare you.” Hence, getting involved with the arts is clearly a way we can all enrich ourselves this summer. 

Sydney Traveling Film Festival: https://www.sff.org.au/tff/

There are a range of ways theatre lovers can keep their passion for the arts besides seeing theatre over the summer. I hope this piece has inspired you to take a chance and realise the potential of art to bring meaning and optimism into our lives.